Open AccessSustainable Management of Springs for Water Security in Parts of the Sikkim Himalaya Region – An Overview
Author(s) -
Anadi Gayen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of advanced research in science, communication and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2581-9429
DOI - 10.48175/ijarsct-1988
Subject(s) - spring (device) , rainwater harvesting , water security , aquifer , population , sustainability , hydrology (agriculture) , karst , water resource management , water resources , geography , environmental science , geology , groundwater , geotechnical engineering , ecology , engineering , archaeology , mechanical engineering , demography , sociology , biology
Springs plays a significant role in the water security of hilly people living in the Sikkim Himalayan region. Springs in the hilly regions of Sikkim contributes a maximum in the water safety, especially in the rural households. A detailed understanding about spring geology and management issues are of pre-requisite in the perspective of Sikkim for their maintenance, monitoring and management. The principal task is retaining the original unpolluted conditions of the springs and their sustainability. Geologically, the varieties of gravity springs are predominant along with Depression Spring and Fracture Spring. Structurally vulnerable plains, especially joints, fractures, and small-scale faults are true avenues for the flow path of spring water. Springs in Himalaya regions are originating from the unconfined aquifers. The yield potential of the springs are adversely affected by the factors like climatic aberration resulting in the form of variations in the rainfall intensities and tectonic activities. Chemical quality of spring water is very much within the acceptable limit of the prescribed standard, whilst away from the main city area. Springshed development and management through rainwater conservation is of essential to provide sustainable water security to the population in Sikkim.